New year – new learning

Happy new year 2010!

Have you made any resolutions this January? Are you planning to learn something new?

In 2 weeks’ time, on 18th January 2010, 23 Things Oxford will begin. This is an online learning scheme which takes place over 12 weeks. Each week, you will learn new things about Web 2.0 and how libraries are using this technology.

The aim of this programme is to introduce all library staff (whatever their role) to Web 2.0 technologies – working on the principle that exposure is the first stage in learning. Over the 12 weeks, the aim is for staff to spend a little time each week working on the project, building up their own skills as well as adding to their abilities at work. It is called 23 Things because there are 23 tasks to complete. 23 Things Oxford is based on the original 23 Things program which ran at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County in the USA in 2006.

This programme is open to ALL staff in Oxford libraries regardless of their position and status (full and part time). It is a self-discovery programme which encourages participants to take control of their own learning and to use their lifelong learning skills through exploration and play. Participants are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and tips both in person and through their blogs. There will also be 3 drop-in sessions offered to support this programme.